On March 12, TCA facilitated a ceremony recognizing H.E. Namık Tan, Turkey’s ambassador to the U.S., and Mrs. Fügen Tan for their efforts in strengthening the Turkish-Native American relationship. The Honorable John Berrey, Chairman of the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma (O-Gah-Pah), presented Ambassador and Mrs. Tan with two pairs of handmade moccasins to thank them for their work.

"I want to thank Ambassador Tan for his steadfast support of deeper ties between the Republic of Turkey and Indian Country,” said Chairman Berrey. “In a few short years we have forged stronger cultural, political and economic ties that few thought possible. On behalf of the Quapaw people, the moccasins I present today remind us of the steps we have taken together and those we will take in the future."

Ambassador Tan reflected on the relationship between Turkey and Indian Country and said said. “I hope that what we have been doing together with TCA will be considered as the beginning of a true cooperation between Turkey and Native Americans. I am deeply grateful and honored to have become a part of this hopefully long and beneficial mission.”

During his tenure, Ambassador Tan hosted three consecutive Native American Heritage Month receptions at his residence and became the first foreign ambassador to attend the nation's leading Reservation Economic Conference (REZ).

Chairman John Berrey first visited Turkey in November 2010 on a TCA-sponsored Native American Business Cooperation Trip that was organized in conjunction with Turkish Airlines’ inaugural flight from Washington, D.C. to Istanbul. During the trip Chairman Berrey met with representatives from leading Turkish governmental, civil society and private entities on behalf of the Quapaw (O-Gah-Pah) Tribe of Oklahoma

March 12, 2014

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